Elderly woman from Bihar found dumped in bushes
9 cops suspended over alleged dry-drug nexus in Vaishali
Govt sanctions Rs300cr for 1,294 aided schools
BJP MLA questions cash transfers ahead of polls
108-year-old water tower set for makeover
Buxar tops Bihar in GST collection in first six months
Kishanganj woman critical after poisoning sons, self
31 Patna drains to be linked to STPs: Buidco
Conclave flags threats to academic freedom
Choudwar Circle Jail Superintendent Sujit Kumar Raul has been arrested from his Bhubaneswar home in the October 2025 escape of two Bihar undertrials. Police are probing alleged record tampering, forged signatures and security lapses. The post Choudwar Jail Superintendent Arrested in 2025 Undertrial Escape Probe I Forged Minute Book, Tampered Gate Register appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Samrat calls for unity among five NDA partners in Bihar
CM assures unaided teachers of talks to resolve grievances
Mapping discrepancies in Bihar and Bengal SIR leave Delhi voters stranded
Thai delegation visits Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya
43% of PG seats at PU remain vacant as students opt for job-oriented courses
Patna Kalam exhibition concludes
20 weighbridges fined for alleged illegal sand trade in Bhojpur
Jan Suraaj announces names of five candidates for council polls
NDA MPs, MLAs and MLCs failed to secure flood aid from Centre: Tejashwi
Saras Mela opens, products from 15 states on display
Seven-year-old girl dies after vehicle hits her in Srinagar
Srinagar, Sep 20 : A seven-year-old girl was killed after being hit by a vehicle in the Barbar Shah area of Srinagar on Sunday evening, officials said. The girl, identified as Sidra, daughter of Sajad Ahmad and a resident of Bihar, was critically injured in the accident, they said. She was rushed to SMHS Hospital, where doctors declared her brought dead, officials said. Police have taken cognisance of the incident and initiated an investigation, they added.
Video: Bhojpuri Actor Kajal Raghwani Breaks Silence After Crowd Chases Her Car In Bihar Sharif
I am healthy, and my whole team is healthy, said Kajal Raghwani
From Bihar to Punjab: How ChatGPT led elderly man home
A four-day search across state lines ended in an unexpected reunion after an elderly Punjab pilgrim, who disappeared while on a state-sponsored trip to Amritsar, turned up hundreds of kilometres away in Bihar, where a stranger sheltered him and tracked down his family with the help of online searches, reports said on Sunday, September 20. Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Bihars Leader of Opposition calls Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and BJP national president Nitin Nabin rubber stamps; he says they could not get Narendra Modi, Amit Shah to even visit flood-hit State
People dying in Bihar floods, yet crores spent on PM Modis birthday: Tejashwi Yadav slams BJP
Maithili Thakur, singer and Bihar MLA, faced online trolling after she was seen arriving at Mumbais Lalbaugcha Raja pandal in a luxury Rolls-Royce Cullinan. Actress and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut has now come out in support of the young politician, questioning why public figures should be expected to live without enjoying the fruits of their personal careers.
Bhojpuri actress Kajal Raghwani's car attacked while visiting Bihar Sharif
Bhojpuri actress Kajal Raghwani was recently mobbed, and her car was attacked while visiting Bihar Sharif for an event. After videos of the incident went viral, the actress shared a video assuring fans that she is safe
Tejashwi Yadav criticises Bihar government over floods and drought, demands compensation for farmers
The News Mill
Punjab Man Goes Missing During Pilgrimage, Travels 1,200 Km To Gaya; How ChatGPT Helped Find Him
An aged person from Punjab who had disappeared during a pilgrimage to Amritsar reached Gaya, Bihar traveling over 1,200 kilometers by taking a wrong train. The return journey of the person was later facilitated through the help of a local person
Unity of Love-Kush Community Paves the Way for Bihars Prosperity, Says CM Samrat Chaudhary
CM Samrat Chaudhary emphasizes the importance of community unity for Bihars development at the Love-Kush Talent Award ceremony. Unity of Love-Kush Community Paves the Way for Bihars Prosperity, Says CM Samrat Chaudhary
Bihar Weather Alert: Bay of Bengal Depression to Trigger Heavy Downpours
Bihar Power Discoms to Roll Out 'Solar Village Scheme': Top Ranked Panchayats to Win Cash Incentives
11,042 Bihar & Jharkhand Aspirants to Test Mettle from September 22
AI translator, dedicated app to assist pilgrims during Pitripaksh Mela
Bihar floods affect 48 lakh people as officials lead relief efforts
Bihar floods defy pattern as Ganga crosses record levels in third, prolonged spell
Jan Suraaj Party Announces 5 Candidates For Upcoming Bihar MLC Polls
Jan Suraaj Party (JSP) founder Prashant Kishor said the names of candidates of three other seats will be announced within the next three-four days
Jan Suraaj Party announces five candidates for upcoming Bihar MLC polls
Elections are to be held for a total of eight constituencies four graduates' and teachers' seats each terms of which expire in November
The team of The Vvaan: Force of the Forrest recently met Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary following their observance of the traditional Chhath Pooja. During the meeting, the Chief Minister appreciated the cast and crew for bringing the traditions and rituals of Bihar to mainstream Hindi cinema through the upcoming film. The team shared their experience of meeting the Chief Minister and expressed gratitude for the response they have received from Bihar and its people. In a statement, they said, Overwhelmed and grateful for the love and warmth we have received from Bihar and its people . It was a privilege to meet the Honble Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Samrat Choudhary and share the world of THE VVAAN. Grateful for the support and encouragement as we bring this story which is rooted in spirit of the soil. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Balaji Motion Pictures (@balajimotionpictures) The Vvaan: Force of the Forrest is an upcoming folklore-fantasy thriller directed by Deepak Kumar Mishra, known for Panchayat, from a story written by TVF founder Arunabh Kumar. The film stars Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia in the lead roles, with Sunil Grover, Anup Soni, Shweta Tiwari and Maniesh Paul among the supporting cast. The narrative draws from Indian mythology and cultural folklore. Sidharth Malhotra plays an urban, rational man who returns to his ancestral village and initially dismisses the centuries-old beliefs surrounding a forbidden, sacred forest. However, after venturing beyond its boundaries after sunset, he unknowingly awakens an ancient divine deity and finds himself facing supernatural forces that threaten the village. Produced by Balaji Motion Pictures, led by Ektaa R. Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor, in association with TVF Motion Pictures and 11:11 Productions, The Vvaan: Force of the Forrest is slated to release theatrically on September 25, 2026. The film is expected to explore folklore and mythology against the backdrop of rural traditions, while bringing the supernatural thriller genre to the big screen. Following its theatrical run, the film is slated to have an exclusive streaming premiere on a major OTT platform. Also Read: Ektaa R Kapoor takes a DIG at out-of-touch creators: Humne desh se judna bandh kar diya; apne aap ko upar samajhte hain; Tamannaah Bhatia reveals her pandit, watchman was impressed by The Vvaans Chhath depiction
Veteran artiste Raghubir Yadav has a pivotal role in Om Ka Hari, which released in theatres on Friday September 18. Directed by Harish Vyas, the movie sees the actor play father to Anshuman Jha, who has also produced the film under his banner First Ray Films. The movie explores a bitter-sweet conflict between a father and his son. In an exclusive chat with Bollywood Hungama, Yadav said that he agreed to do the film as he has witnessed such scenarios before. I have stayed a lot in a lot of villages in UP (Uttar Pradesh), MP (Madhya Pradesh) and Bihar. I have been witnessing this relationship between a father and his kids since ages. Earlier, it was different and then things started changing. In our era, people didnt have much money to study. A father used to somehow educate his children and take them to a level. He then would look at the son of his neighbour and get his son also to become an engineer and get married. Yadav pointed out that now, of course, things have changed. Now the time is such that kids wish to live their lives as per their own wishes, he said. So, I found this conflict between a father and a son very interesting. I got a chance to become a father of this era. Om Ka Hari also stars Soni Razdan in the role of Yadavs wife, along with Ayesha Kapur and Samta Sudiksha. Yadav also found other characteristics of the father interesting. He is someone who realizes that the one he thought would provide him with support (his son) is having a conflict with him. He is also well-versed with astrology, so he realizes that he has only six more days to live. The character has a funny side and some conflict as well. So, I thought it would be fun to do it, he said. A large portion of the film was shot in Varanasi and its ghats. It was great fun, recalled Yadav. When we shot at the Harishchandra Ghat, we felt this is such a peaceful place. In our film, the father reaches that place to die. The ones who were getting burnt appeared to be more peaceful (laughs). Yadav has played various characters in his decades long career. When asked about his selection criteria, he simply said, It should be something I have never done before. It should challenge me. I dont enjoy if I am able to do it easily. It should give me sleepless nights (laughs). Doobne mein maza aata hai mujhe. Also Read: Alia Bhatt recalls childhood memory of Mahesh Bhatts theatrical parenting at special screening of Om Ka Hari: He is very theatrical and that sometimes makes for great memories
Bihars Gaya Priests Oppose Online Pind Daan, Emphasizing Traditional Practices
Priests in Gaya, Bihar, protest against online Pind Daan, asserting it undermines traditional Vedic customs. Bihars Gaya Priests Oppose Online Pind Daan, Emphasizing Traditional Practices
Jan Suraaj Party announces 5 candidates for Bihar MLC polls
Patna: Jan Suraaj Party (JSP) founder Prashant Kishor on Sunday, September 20, announced candidates for five constituencies of the Bihar Legislative Council, where elections are likely to be announced soon. Elections are to be held for a total of eight constituencies four graduates and teachers seats each terms of which expire in November. Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
52% in Class 10 to becoming SDM in Bihar: Rahul Sinhas 20-year journey
Election Commission of India should act on reports of irregularities impartially and not function as the BJPs B-team, says Jairam Ramesh
Bhojpuri actor Kajal Raghwani's car attacked in Bihar, she escapes unharmed
Bhojpuri actor Kajal Raghwani's car attacked in Bihar, she escapes unharmed
Missing eight-month-old from Nashik found safe by officials after three days
Digital Desk | Nashik, Sep 20 (IANS) An eight-month-old baby girl who went missing in Maharashtra's Nashik district three days back was found safe on Sunday, police said. The infant, who had gone missing from the Manyad police outpost region in Nandgaon taluka of Nashik on September 17, was found abandoned near the Vaibothi village in neighbouring Yeola taluka. Yeola taluka police reached the spot and took her into their custody. Subsequently, the infant was taken to the Yeola Sub-District Hospital for a medical examination after being identified by her mother and the Nandgaon police. Her safe recovery brought relief to the family and the police. However, the circumstances under which the baby reached Vaibothi, who brought her there, and why she was abandoned at the spot remain unclear. Police are investigating the matter to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the infants disappearance and subsequent recovery. In Odisha, Operation Anweshan, conducted by the state's Crime Against Women and Children Wing (CAW & CW) Department, along with the state police, rescued 101 missing children. The children included 54 boys and 47 girls. The teams conducted field-level searches, verified the leads, and coordinated with local authorities, along with various child care institutions during the operation. As part of the operation, as many as 17 specialised teams were deployed to several states and Union Territories where Odia children are frequently found. The youngest among those rescued was a three-month-old infant found institutionalised alongside her minor mother. Another child who was found was institutionalised for the longest duration and had spent more than five years away from home. The states in which the children were found include Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, New Delhi, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
Delhi Police trace minor girl after 8 years, recover her from Bihar
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 20 (IANS) The Delhi Police have solved a long-pending missing-person case after the minor was found in Bihar after eight years of sustained efforts, officials said on Sunday. The Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) of Delhi Police's Central District successfully traced and recovered the minor girl from Bihar, bringing an end to a long-pending case registered at Anand Parbat police station. The case dates back to October 14, 2018, when an FIR was registered at PS Anand Parbat in connection with the alleged missing and kidnapping of a minor girl, who was then 14 years old and a resident of the national capital's Anand Parbat area. Following the registration of the case, sustained efforts were made by the police to trace the missing girl and ascertain her whereabouts. During the course of the investigation and search operations, the AHTU team examined footage from multiple CCTV cameras and conducted extensive searches at around 90 shelter homes for girls, 52 orphanages, religious places, and red-light areas across Delhi-NCR. Despite the extensive searches and multiple efforts undertaken over the years, the whereabouts of the missing girl could not initially be established. The AHTU team, however, continued to pursue available leads and kept working on the long-pending case. A few months ago, the team received a crucial secret input indicating that the missing girl might be present in Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur. Acting promptly on the information, a dedicated team was constituted to trace and recover her. The team comprised Sub-Inspector Raj Bahadur Singh, Head Constable Surender and Woman Constable Manisha. The team worked under the supervision of Inspector Anil Yadav, In-charge of AHTU, with overall supervision by the ACP, DIU. Following the development of the lead, the police team immediately travelled to Kanpur and conducted searches at the location indicated by the source. However, upon reaching the spot, the team learnt that the missing girl had been moved from the location shortly before their arrival. The police team did not abandon the search and continued checking the surrounding areas while developing additional local sources in an effort to trace her whereabouts. Despite these efforts, no immediate clue could be established at that stage. The team continued to follow the lead and subsequently received information suggesting that the missing girl might be residing in Bihar's Samastipur district. Acting on the newly developed information, the AHTU team proceeded to Samastipur on September 15. Through sustained technical surveillance, field verification and persistent ground-level efforts, the team was able to narrow down the location of the missing girl to Shahpur Patori. The police team subsequently conducted a search operation in the area and successfully located and recovered the missing girl from Patori with the assistance of the local police. Following her recovery, the girl was brought back to Delhi on September 17 and produced for medical examination. She was subsequently counselled, and her statement was recorded under Section 183 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). After completion of the requisite legal and procedural formalities, the recovered girl was handed over to her parents, facilitating her reunion with her family after eight years.
Jan Suraj Announces Candidates for Bihar Legislative Council Elections
Jan Suraj has revealed five candidates for the upcoming Bihar Legislative Council elections, intensifying political competition in the state. Jan Suraj Announces Candidates for Bihar Legislative Council Elections
NDA Leaders Salary Donation for Bihar Flood Relief Praised by Rajiv Ranjan
Rajiv Ranjan commends NDA leaders for donating their salaries to aid Bihar flood victims, highlighting the importance of collective efforts in disaster relief. NDA Leaders Salary Donation for Bihar Flood Relief Praised by Rajiv Ranjan
Jan Suraaj names candidates for 5 Bihar MLC seats
Police Seize Over 10 Kilograms of Marijuana in Shivhar, Bihar
In a significant operation, police in Shivhar, Bihar, confiscated 10.641 kg of marijuana and apprehended a minor involved in the drug trade. Police Seize Over 10 Kilograms of Marijuana in Shivhar, Bihar
10th Pencak Silat Federation Cup begins in Leh
Leh, Ladakh: The 10th Pencak Silat Federation Cup 2026 is being held at the NDS Indoor Stadium in Leh, bringing together Pencak Silat athletes, coaches, officials, team managers and sports administrators from across the country. More than 850 athletes and participants are taking part in the national championship, which has emerged as a major sporting gathering in the Union Territory of Ladakh. Teams from various States, Union Territories and Paramilitary Forces are participating in the championship. The event also features more than 100 technical and federation officials and State/UT representatives, along with over 70 coaches and team managers. The opening ceremony will be attended by Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena as the chief guest. Administrative Secretary, Youth Services & Sports, UT Ladakh Bhanu Prabha; Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor, Ladakh Shashanka Ala; Joint Director, Youth Services & Sports, Ladakh Tsering Paldan; Additional Deputy Commissioner to the Lieutenant Governor Shekh Aadil; President, Indian Pencak Silat Federation; President, Ladakh Pencak Silat Association; and District Youth Services & Sports Officer, Leh, will also be present. The championship has brought together sporting delegations from Bihar, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, CISF, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, ITBP, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Ladakh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Odisha, Puducherry, Rajasthan, SSB, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The participation of State and UT teams along with Paramilitary Forces has added diversity to the championship, bringing athletes from different sporting backgrounds onto one national platform. Besides athletes, the championship includes technical officials, federation representatives, coaches, team managers, referees, judges, delegation representatives and members of the organising and support teams. The event has brought together more than 1,000 athletes, officials, coaches, managers, representatives and other sporting stakeholders. Hosting a national-level Pencak Silat championship in Leh at the high altitude of the Himalayas gives the event a distinctive setting. The championship provides athletes from across India an opportunity to compete at the national level while also experiencing the culture and hospitality of Ladakh. The event also highlights Ladakh's potential to host major sporting competitions and provides a platform for promoting sports and sporting activities in the region. The 10th Pencak Silat Federation Cup 2026 brings together athletes and sporting delegations from different regions of the country on a common platform. With more than 850 participants, 100 technical officials and representatives, and over 70 coaches and team managers, the championship provides a significant platform for Pencak Silat athletes to compete and showcase their skills.
Samrat Choudhary promises jobs to one crore women
Addressing the gathering, Samrat Choudhary said that women in Bihar are moving forward rapidly, and their growing economic, social, and political participation reflects the States changing landscape
Bihars Humar Magadh Seminar Highlights Cultural Heritage Ahead of Pitripaksha Mela
The Humar Magadh seminar in Gaya explored the regions rich heritage and the significance of the Magahi language before the Pitripaksha Mela. Bihars Humar Magadh Seminar Highlights Cultural Heritage Ahead of Pitripaksha Mela
Bollywood Stars Meet Bihar Chief Minister Ahead of Film Release
Siddharth Malhotra, Tamannaah Bhatia, and Ekta Kapoor meet Bihar CM Samrat Choudhary before the release of their film The One. Bollywood Stars Meet Bihar Chief Minister Ahead of Film Release
International Agronomy Day Workshop Held at Bihar Agricultural University
A workshop at Bihar Agricultural University focused on sustainable agriculture and innovations for a developed India by 2047. International Agronomy Day Workshop Held at Bihar Agricultural University
Foundation and pillar work begin at Punauradham
Quasi-judicial bodies must use temperate language: HC
Govt to link 1 crore women with jobs: CM
Bihar JD(U) feud ahead of MLC polls: Anant Singh vows to defeat Neeraj Kumar
A war of words has erupted between JD(U) leaders Anant Singh and Neeraj Kumar ahead of the Bihar MLC elections to eight seats. Singh has vowed to defeat Kumar, accused him of framing him in a 2019 arms case and backed independent candidate Anuj Singh. Kumar has challenged Singh to provide evidence.
Police bust cyberfraud gang targeting US citizens, four arrested
Students display innovation at robotics contest
Bihar Agricultural University Hosts Brainstorming Session on Nematode Management
Bihar Agricultural University organized a session to discuss nematode challenges in crops, featuring expert insights and research initiatives. Bihar Agricultural University Hosts Brainstorming Session on Nematode Management
Nitish resigned of his own accord, not forced by BJP: Samrat
IIM BG meet focuses on AI-driven workplace
PMC collects over Rs3cr property tax in special drive
Sasaram shops put up cash only posters
Work on Mithapur-Rukanpura stretch of Patna Metro stepped up
Jan Suraaj to announce MLC candidates today
Fire dept to map Puja pandals and check safety arrangements
Bihar Officials Contribute Salaries to Flood Relief Fund Amid Ongoing Crisis
Bihars Deputy CM and Minister donate one months salary to the Chief Ministers Relief Fund to aid flood victims. Bihar Officials Contribute Salaries to Flood Relief Fund Amid Ongoing Crisis
Anant-Neeraj spat intensifies over Patna graduate seat
CM: Govt aims to establish 10k industrial units over next 5 yrs
Bihar CM launches national innovation challenge, flags off car rally
Digital Desk | Patna, Sep 19 (IANS) Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Saturday inaugurated the National Innovation Challenge, organised as part of the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan (Service Pledge Campaign), by lighting a ceremonial lamp at Ramandal. He also launched the National Innovation Challenge portal. At the beginning of the programme, Choudhary flagged off 25 vehicles participating in the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Car Rally. He later visited the innovation exhibition, inspected various stalls, and interacted with young entrepreneurs to learn about their startup innovations, products, and technologies. Addressing the gathering, Choudhary welcomed participants and said the spirit of service must be accompanied by a collective resolve to build a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047. He congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on completing 25 years in public service, adding that PM Modis vision and emphasis on innovation continue to inspire the country. Choudhary said the state government was working towards these objectives, with service, innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship playing an important role in Bihars development. He emphasised that the states large youth population and workforce should be viewed as an asset and transformed into a driving force for development rather than a challenge. He said initiatives such as the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan and the Seva First Innovation Challenge (East Zone) were encouraging young people to embrace service, innovation, and new ideas. The Chief Minister highlighted that technology was being used to simplify citizens lives. The government had transferred financial assistance through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the bank accounts of nine lakh flood-affected families. He added that the government stood firmly with families affected by disasters and was making every possible effort to support them. Highlighting Bihars digital transformation, Choudhary said UPI had revolutionised digital transactions and noted its widespread use in India. He said Bihar had created a conducive environment for industrial investment, with land already allocated to around 1,000 industrial units. The government has set a target of establishing 10,000 industries in Bihar over the next five years. Referring to migration for employment, Choudhary said around 12 lakh people from Bihar currently migrate to other states for wage-based work. The governments objective, he said, was to create sufficient employment opportunities within Bihar so that people would not have to leave the state. The Chief Minister said young entrepreneurs could play a significant role in transforming Bihars development trajectory through startups and assured them of government support. He also highlighted initiatives to promote innovation in the information technology sector through the Bihar Tech Portal for Innovation in the IT Sector. Choudhary said the government was accelerating work in education. He said the government had established 700 Saraswati Vidya Niketan model schools. Through the Vidyarthi Sathi app, students have access to live classes and preparation facilities for competitive examinations such as NEET and JEE. The government is also providing 24x7 online tutoring and mentorship services. According to the Chief Minister, around 1.42 lakh students were accessing online learning facilities even at 1 am, with teachers available to address their queries. He said about 75,000 teachers had enrolled in the initiative. Choudhary described the availability of teachers online around the clock as a significant achievement, saying it was helping students resolve academic queries and receive timely guidance. He also said Bihar had recently recruited 2,500 Assistant Professors. Referring to his interaction with the newly recruited faculty, he said many had previously taught in other parts of the country. Choudhary expressed satisfaction that these teachers would now contribute to educating students, particularly in rural areas of Bihar.
FIR against 7 after hundreds gather at Madhubani Collectorate over land paper rumour
Army jawan murder case: Kaimur police announce reward, launch SIT to trace accused
Teenager shot dead over old dispute in Munger
Prashant Kishor Addresses Support for Anuj Singh Amid Bihar Council Elections
Prashant Kishor to announce candidates for Bihar Council elections, dismisses concerns over Anant Singhs support for Anuj Singh. Prashant Kishor Addresses Support for Anuj Singh Amid Bihar Council Elections
Govt approves 11 BAU-developed crop varieties to boost climate-resilient farming
4 held for youths murder in Begusarai
Anant Singh-Neeraj Kumar face off again as old Mokama rivalry returns ahead of MLC polls
Digital Desk | Patna, Sep 19 (IANS) The long-standing political rivalry between Mokama MLA Anant Singh and JD(U) MLC Neeraj Kumar has resurfaced ahead of the upcoming Patna Graduate Constituency Legislative Council election, bringing years of political and personal animosity back into focus. On Saturday, Anant Singh openly challenged Neeraj Kumar, proposing a face-to-face public debate on all contentious issues and even offering what he described as a Rs 20-crore wager to settle their long-running disputes. He called upon Kumar to join him near a Hanuman temple in Patna for an open discussion. Let us sit across from each other and debate face-to-face. We will settle all scores, Singh said. The roots of the rivalry stretch back to the 2015 Bihar Assembly elections. At the time, Singh was a dominant political figure in Mokama but had been arrested in June that year in connection with a murder case. Subsequently, JD(U) fielded Neeraj Kumar from the Mokama constituency instead of Singh. The election evolved into a direct political contest between the two leaders, with Kumar contesting on a JD(U) ticket and Singh entering the fray as an Independent candidate. Singh ultimately emerged victorious, defeating Kumar by 18,348 votes. The campaign was marked by sharp exchanges, with Kumar repeatedly questioning Singh's political record and criminal cases, while Singh's supporters portrayed Kumar as his principal political challenger. Although their political trajectories changed over the years, disagreements between the two leaders continued to resurface whenever their paths intersected. One of the most significant flashpoints in their rivalry came in August 2019, when police raided Singh's ancestral residence in Ladma village in Bihar's Barh subdivision. Investigators claimed to have recovered an AK-47 rifle, ammunition and hand grenades from the premises. A case was subsequently registered against Singh, who later surrendered before a Delhi court. Singh has consistently maintained that he was framed in the case. In the latest round of exchanges, he has again alleged that Neeraj Kumar played a role in planting the weapons recovered during the raid. However, the allegation has not been established. Kumar has categorically denied the claim, asserting that anyone making such accusations should present evidence before a court. The arms case went through prolonged judicial proceedings and led to Singh's conviction by a special court, resulting in the loss of his Assembly membership. He subsequently challenged the verdict before the Patna High Court, which granted him relief in August 2024, leading to his release from jail. While the case forms an important backdrop to the present dispute, it remains separate from the latest allegations being traded between the two leaders. Their rivalry has also featured sharp personal attacks over the years. During the ongoing confrontation, local political circles have referred to allegations that Kumar used the nickname Pudina Singh for the Mokama MLA, adding a personal dimension to what has largely been a political feud. Despite their differences, Singh eventually returned to the JD(U) fold and continued to remain active in Mokama politics. His re-entry into the party, however, did little to bridge his differences with Kumar. The latest confrontation comes as Kumar's name figures prominently in discussions surrounding the 2026 Patna Graduate Constituency MLC election. Singh has made it clear that he is unwilling to back Kumar's candidature and has instead expressed support for independent candidate Dr Anuj Singh. He has also insisted that his opposition is directed at Kumar personally and should not be construed as opposition to the JD(U). As the election campaign gathers momentum, the dispute has expanded beyond electoral politics, reviving debate over the 2019 arms case and the allegations surrounding it. Singh has renewed his demand for a narco-analysis test on Kumar, arguing that it would help uncover the truth behind his claims. Kumar, meanwhile, has reiterated that any individual possessing evidence should place it before the court. With the Patna Graduate Constituency election approaching, the renewed confrontation between the two Mokama leaders has added a fresh layer of political intrigue to an already closely watched contest.
India shifts counter-terror strategy, moves to bust terror plots before attacks
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 19 (IANS) India's counter-terrorism operations have undergone a strategic shift, transitioning from a reactive security apparatus to a pre-emptive, intelligence-driven doctrine aimed at dismantling terror modules before execution, according to senior security officials. Since coming to power, the Narendra Modi government at the Centre has maintained a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism. A significant shift has been the move by the security establishment handling terror-related cases towards a more pre-emptive approach, aimed at identifying and neutralising threats before they can materialise. An official said that recent events relating to terror clearly indicate that the national counter-terrorism strategy policy for Response against Hostile Activities and Radicalism, or PRAHAAR, that was introduced in February this year has already started to take effect. The official said that the clear directive to the agencies is not to wait for an incident to take place and then react to the same. The focus is on preventing terror attacks and ensuring that terror modules do not grow to such an extent that bringing them under control becomes a Herculean task, the official added. An Intelligence Bureau official said that this is the same pattern that is being applied across the country, especially in Jammu and Kashmir. The Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) has been in overdrive mode and plotting big strikes in the Valley. In the last several months, it has tried to work on its overground worker (OWG) network, while also trying its best to get the infiltrations moving. However, the success has been very low thanks to the new doctrine that focuses on busting these plans rather than reacting after something has taken place, the IB official said. In the past couple of months, security agencies in Jammu and Kashmir have neutralised terrorists, busted multiple modules and ensured that the overground worker network remains grounded. These have been among the major challenges facing Jammu and Kashmir, and the agencies have ensured that plotting and carrying out terror attacks is now harder than what the ISI may have anticipated, the official added. Another official said that while terror attacks remain one part of the problem, the bigger challenge confronting the country is radicalisation. He said the issue is not confined to any particular region but has spread across the country. Although unconnected, these radicalisation modules have thrived in states such as Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Bihar, Delhi, Rajasthan, West Bengal and Kerala, the official said. The Islamic State, in particular, has focused only on radicalisation and has been largely successful in infiltrating the minds of the youth in a big way. As the security agencies realised the scale at which the problem was taking place, immediate action was taken, and these modules were busted. The busting of the pan-India radicalisation module in Andhra Pradesh is an example of how the agencies have been handling such cases. The module was threatening to become a massive problem but was nipped in the bud in the nick of time. Officials said security agencies no longer wait for terror modules to grow before taking action. If intelligence is actionable, the agencies move immediately to disrupt the module and prevent it from developing further, the officials added. Similar action was reported in Gujarat when a Jaish-e-Mohammad-linked module was busted. This was a self-styled module that subscribed to the views of the Jaish-e-Mohammad. The security agencies, after busting this module, found extremist material in large numbers. This module was becoming a ticking time bomb, but was busted just in time. The approach has been the same when it comes to tackling terror and radicalisation from the Bangladesh side. Multiple attempts made by the Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami (HuJI) and the Jamaat-ul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) have been thwarted. These groups were looking to target West Bengal and the northeastern states. An official said that this was an important shift in Indias counter-terrorism and anti-radicalisation strategy. While PRAHAAR has ensured a pre-emptive, rather than reactive, strategy, it has also ensured seamless integration between the Intelligence agencies, the state police and the central agencies, an official said.
Bihar Floods: CM Samrat Choudhary Donates One Month's Salary To Help Affected Families
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Saturday announced that he will be donating his one month's salary to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund for the severe flood situation in the state. The announcement came at the time when BJP president
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 19 (IANS) Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Saturday launched a sharp attack on Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP), Rahul Gandhi, over his criticism of the Election Commissions interim decision concerning rival Trinamool Congress factions in the upcoming West Bengal Assembly bypolls. Singh claimed that LoP Rahul Gandhi merely repeated what was given to him and compared him to a robot, while also questioning his understanding of the Congress partys own history. Whatever is written and given to Rahul Gandhi, he speaks it out, just like a robot speaks out whatever is fed into it. Rahul Gandhi should now be called Rahul Robot, because so much has been fed to him. Does he have any knowledge? During the Congress era, how many times did the party split? Congress split five or six times, the Congress (O), Congress (I), Congress Jagjivan, Congress Murarji How many versions of Congress have there been?.. Singh told IANS. His remarks came after LoP Rahul Gandhi criticised the Election Commissions interim decision to bar rival Trinamool factions from using the partys name and its twin-flowers-on-grass symbol in the Bengal Assembly bypolls. LoP Gandhi said that the same pattern had been followed in previous cases involving other political parties, referring to the Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party. First Shiv Sena, then NCP, and now Trinamool Congress. Every time, the same patternBJP and the Election Commission join forces to split a party. Then its election symbol is snatched away, LoP Gandhi said in a post on X. The Congress leaders remarks drew further criticism from Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav, who alleged that the Congress did not only break political parties but also joined hands with forces that, according to him, seek to divide the country. The Congress party not only breaks parties but also joins hands with forces that seek to divide the country. It works by taking support from people who act against the interests of the country, he alleged. That is why I believe the Congress party is continuously declining. I believe the Congress party will decline further in the coming days. The people of Bihar and the country will not allow such people to continue. This is what I believe, Yadav told IANS. The exchange comes amid a political dispute over the use of the Trinamool Congress' name and its election symbol in the Bengal Assembly bypolls. LoP Gandhi has alleged that the BJP and the Election Commission were acting together in the matter, while Singh questioned Gandhis comments and pointed to the history of splits within the Congress.
Five Pandavas of NDA united, let RJD-Cong continue dreaming: Sanjay Saraogi
Digital Desk | Patna, Sep 19 (IANS) Bihar BJP President, Sanjay Saraogi, on Saturday dismissed the offer made by the RJD and Congress to former Bihar Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, to join their alliance, saying the Opposition parties could continue to 'dream' as the NDA government remained united and was working together. Speaking to IANS, Sanjay Saraogi said, Congress and RJD have been completely wiped out in Bihar. The Congress MLAs can fit in one Scorpio, and even then, the Scorpio would remain empty. And if RJD wins one fewer seat, they will not even have the Leader of Opposition. The NDA government has a massive three-fourths majority. Under the leadership of Samrat Choudhary ji, the government is working in the public interest and has the support of the people. So, let Congress and RJD continue dreaming; there is nothing there. The five Pandavas of the NDA are united and running the government together, he added. His remarks came amid efforts by the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan in Bihar to invite JD(U) president and former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to join the Opposition alliance. The move came after Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) would be implemented in all BJP-ruled and NDA-ruled states. Saraogi also responded to Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadavs PDA Rath Yatra, claiming that the BJP-led NDA government had established the rule of law and encouraged investment in Uttar Pradesh. The way the Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA government has worked in Uttar Pradesh, established the rule of law and brought investment, Uttar Pradesh has progressed so much. Now, the people do not want to see that goonda raj and mafia raj anymore, he said. He added that political yatras undertaken by Akhilesh Yadav or other Opposition parties would not change the situation, claiming that their defeat was certain. On the Nandigram bye-election, Saraogi claimed that the Trinamool Congress candidate had withdrawn from the contest, while the Congress candidate had been arrested in connection with multiple cases. The Trinamool Congress candidate has run away. She withdrew her candidature. And the Congress candidate, who is wanted in four cases, has been arrested. He is accused in three murder cases, with warrants pending for years, and one case under the Arms Act. So, in Nandigram, the Bharatiya Janata Party candidate is going to win with a massive majority, he said. Reacting to the flood situation in Bihar, Saraogi said BJP leaders and legislators were contributing to the Chief Ministers Relief Fund. Our national president first announced that he would donate his three months Rajya Sabha salary, amounting to Rs 6.35 lakh, to the Chief Ministers Relief Fund. After that, the Bihar BJP donated Rs 51 lakh. I personally went and handed over the cheque to the Chief Minister for the CM Relief Fund, he said. He further said that all NDA MLAs, BJP MLAs, MLCs and MPs would donate one months salary to the relief fund. Targeting the Opposition, particularly Tejashwi Yadav and the Congress, Saraogi alleged that they were not serious about the flood situation in Bihar and were instead engaging in photo sessions.
Tej Pratap Yadav intends to establish a 'darbaar' in the 'Rise & Fall 2' Penthouse
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 19 (IANS) The son of veteran Bihar politician Lalu Prasad Yadav and a former Bihar minister, Tej Pratap Yadav, will be entering the unpredictable Rise & Fall Season 2 Tower soon. Reflecting on the time when others may have celebrated seeing him shaken, the politician was seen invoking the might of a Bargad. Tej Pratap made a strong declaration of his strength in the clip, saying, Jab hum udte samay dagmaya aur sab maje le rahe the par woh bhul gaye ke hum bargadh hai bargadh jiska daali se zyaada mazbood hai jadh aur issliye aa rahe hai Rise & Fall pe gardha udane. (A lot of people enjoyed it when I wavered with flying; however, they forgot that I am like a banyan tree, whose roots are stronger than its branches, and that's why we are coming to Rise & Fall to stir things up). Sharing his plans for his time in the Tower, he added, Waha ke Penthouse pe kabza nahi karenge darbaar lagayenge aur raj karenge neeche wala Basement ke logowa ke upar. (I won't just occupy the penthouse there; we'll run a darbaar and rule over the people in the basement). Aur duniya ko batla dijiye humara parivaar pura Bihar hai. (And tell the world that the entire Bihar is our family), Tej Pratap ended up declaring. Meanwhile, former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag will be making his OTT debut as the host of Rise and Fall Season 2. Cricket has taught me one thingno match is won before the final ball, and Rise and Fall Season 2 takes that unpredictability to another level. As a host, what excites me about this game is that there are no easy wins and no fixed positions, he shared. Rise & Fall Season 2 will premiere on 26th September and air every day at 12 PM, for free on Prime Video and the MX Player Android app.
Bihar to Construct High-Tech Examination Centers in 29 Districts with
Bihar plans to build high-tech examination centers in 29 districts, enhancing student safety and reducing reliance on schools for exams. Bihar to Construct High-Tech Examination Centers in 29 Districts with 330 Crore Investment
Political Tensions Rise in Bihar Over Patna Graduate Seat
Tensions escalate in Bihars JD(U) as Anant Singh and Neeraj Kumar clash over the Patna graduate electoral seat. Political Tensions Rise in Bihar Over Patna Graduate Seat
The Bihar government has announced 461 crore in financial aid for teachers and staff in non-government educational institutions. Bihar Government Allocates 461 Crore for Teachers in Non-Government Schools and Colleges
Ministry of Rural Development to begin DDUGKY 2.0 training batches in Oct
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 19 (IANS) The Ministry of Rural Development will roll out Deen Dayal UpadhyayaGrameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDUGKY) 2.0 training batches across most states and union territories (UTs) from October 2026, an official statement said on Saturday. As many as 1,164 batches enrolling 34,920 rural youth will start training in October, against a sanctioned target of 3,57,112 rural youth to be trained by December 31, 2027, in these 14 jurisdictions. The statement from the Ministry of Rural Development said preparedness for the commencement of training batches was reviewed with 14 States and UTs in the first phase. Preparedness was evaluated at Odisha, Mizoram, Sikkim, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Puducherry, Karnataka, Telangana and Bihar. As per the DDU-GKY 2.0 portal, allocation of 5.6 lakh targets towards more than 1,200 projects has been done by 24 states or UTs. Other states are in the advanced stages of target allocation. Review meetings in phases will expedite the processes of batch commencement. The Ministry emphasised that that scheme is in a crucial phase and called upon implementing States/UTs to accelerate the allocation of targets to Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs) and to commence batches as per envisaged timelines. DDU-GKY is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for poor rural youth providing placement-linked skill training. The duration of the training varies from 3 months to 12 months. The meeting reviewed the preparedness of states/UTs for implementation of DDU-GKY 2.0. The targets have been allocated to all the 31 participating states or UTs for a 2-year period 2026-28. States or UTs are supposed to ensure allocation of targets to PIAs for commencement of training latest by October 31, 2026. Over 5 lakh targets have already been allocated to PIAs for mobilisation of eligible rural youths, the statement noted.
